So you're wondering if Nugs.net actually pays the musicians you love to watch live. The short answer? Yes, they do—but it's not like Spotify or Apple Music. Nugs.net isn't about selling songs; it's about selling access to live concert recordings. And that changes how money flows to artists.
Nugs.net works like this: when you buy a concert stream (usually $15-$25), Nugs.net keeps a cut, then splits the rest with the artist. Unlike Spotify, where you pay for a subscription and artists get tiny fractions per stream, Nugs.net's model is direct. Artists get a percentage of the revenue from each show they sell on the platform. Some reports say artists get 50-70% after Nugs.net's fees. That's way better than most streaming services.
Here's the catch: not all artists get the same deal. Big names like Phish or The Grateful Dead (who have a huge catalog on Nugs.net) probably negotiate better rates. Smaller acts might get a flat fee per stream or a smaller percentage. And it's not instant—payments come after the platform takes its cut, so artists don't get paid the day the show drops. Also, Nugs.net doesn't pay for old shows unless they're re-released. If you're a musician, this is a solid way to make money from past performances, but it's not a steady income like touring.
Most importantly, Nugs.net doesn't pay artists upfront. You pay to watch, and then Nugs.net handles the split. That means if a show doesn't sell well, the artist gets less. But for artists with a loyal fanbase, it's a great way to monetize their live shows without the hassle of booking venues or dealing with ticket sales.
So, if you're a fan, you're supporting artists directly when you buy a stream. If you're an artist, it's worth checking if Nugs.net is a good fit for your catalog. Just know it's not a magic money tree—your audience size and how you market the show matter a lot. If you've got a solid following, Nugs.net could be a game-changer for your side income.
Yes-nugs.net pays artists. Here’s how royalties work for streaming, downloads, and webcasts in 2025, what affects payouts, and how fans can best support artists.
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